Man seriously injured in Vail Pass crash

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VAIL, Colorado - An unidentified male was seriously injured Thursday evening when the vehicle he was riding in rolled over on Vail Pass. The crash shut down both directions of Interstate 70 for nearly four hours.

At approximately 5:30 p.m., a pickup pulling a trailer lost control near mile marker 184 on the snowy/icy roads and collided with a Volvo station wagon. Both vehicles spun into the center median and rolled.

The driver and two passengers in the pickup - all males - were transported to Vail Valley Medical Center. The driver and front-seat passenger suffered moderate to serious injuries, but they aren't considered life-threatening. The rear-seat passenger was transported initially to VVMC but was then taken to Denver Health in critical condition.

The driver of the Volvo was uninjured.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation, but weather is considered a possible contributing factor. Neither alcohol nor drugs are considered factors at this time. It appears as though all occupants were wearing seatbelts.

Eastbound I-70 reopened at approximately 8:45 p.m., and westbound I-70 reopened at approximately 10 p.m.

The Colorado Department of Transportation, the Eagle County Ambulance District and Vail Fire Department responded to the scene along with the Colorado State Patrol. Big Steve's Towing and Lucas Towing recovered the vehicles.

The Colorado State Patrol would like to remind drivers that winter driving is in full force. Please take your time and be prepared for the rapidly changing conditions.